Speeding Violation Leads toArrest of Murder Suspect

On February 20, 2009, Corporal Jessie Stalnaker was operating stationary radar on Interstate 75 south of Lake City when he clocked a speeding vehicle in the northbound lanes. Corporal Stalnaker followed the vehicle off the interstate and conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 441. As the vehicle came to a stop the driver exited and fled on foot into a wooded area. Corporal Stalnaker quickly detained the passenger and questioned him about the identity of the driver. A computer check of the information the passenger gave, confirmed the driver was wanted for Felony Attempted Murder in Polk County and Aggravated Assault with a Weapon in Columbia County. Once a perimeter was set up, a K-9 team quickly tracked down the fugitive and he was apprehended without further incident.